Sunday Salon: Whale Song reviews

I haven't finished either of the two thrillers I've started reading and I am heading into my busy season. I have a few events lined up for December and had some in November too; so if you're in the Edmonton, Alberta, please be sure to check them out on my website and come visit me at one of my book signings. All 3 of my novels will be available. :)

In lieu of writing a review myself, I thought I'd share some of the wonderful reviews I have received for the novel I call "my heart book". I wrote the original first edition of Whale Song back in 2003. It took me 3.5 months to write it and have 2 people edit it--all in 3.5 months. The story was in my head for 2 years before I wrote the first word. I unleashed a tidal wave of words...and emotion.

Here are some review blurbs for WHALE SONG, a moving and uplifting story of love, loss and hope--for all ages. Although this is not a thriller like my novels Divine Intervention and The River, Whale Song does have an element of mystery.

This novel is perfect for mothers, daughters, grandmothers, wives, girlfriends, sisters and best friends--and even my male readers have enjoyed it. Whale Song will make you remember what it was like to be young. :)

REVIEWS:

"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has written a beautiful, haunting novel." -- NY Times Bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

"Mystical and poignant...Reminiscent of youth's sweetness, Whale Song confronts the truth of that treasure's fragility, upon varying paths, with uncomplicated and graceful ease...'Bravo' to Cheryl Kaye Tardif for Whale Song." --J.M. Lavallee

"The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas...is called "The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks. "Whale Song" is not only that good... It just might be considered by some, better." -- Chase Von of The Student Operated Press

"It's completely heart wrenching...I seriously never wanted to put it down. Cheryl's use of words is amazing, like when she's talking about the killer whales or describing scenery. They just flow so easily across every page. My heart strings were being pulled the entire time and I absolutely loved it...I seriously recommend getting yourself a copy. You seriously won't be disappointed." --Breanna, a reviewer for teensreadtoo. com

"The story of Sarah Richardson is a journey of wonder, friendships, happiness, sadness, loss and love. It will keep you reading from cover to cover. Cheryl Tardif's writing is captivating and I look forward to reading more of her novels." --Karen Scott

"I had to wash my tear-streaked face after reading "Whale Song" by Canadian author, Cheryl Kaye Tardif...Her characters are so well described I feel I've met and know them all personally." --Claudette Binette

"Tardif again leaves a lasting mark on her readers...Moving and irresistible." --Midwest Book Review

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novel, Whale Song, would be a tough act to follow for any written genre." --Fresh Fiction

"Tardif, already a big hit in Canada...a name to reckon with south of the border." --BOOKLIST

*WHALE SONG is being read by many film producers, including some from HOLLYWOOD!

**Great Christmas gift! Order now, then email me through my website by December 10th, 2008, to request a FREE personalized, autographed bookplate, making your gift that much more special. :) I'll even throw in some free bookmarks!

Quick Amazon.com link:
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1601640072

Or buy from your favorite bookstore. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Whale Song - "mystical and poignant"

"Mystical and poignant...Reminiscent of youth's sweetness, Whale Song confronts the truth of that treasure's fragility, upon varying paths, with uncomplicated and graceful ease...'Bravo' to Cheryl Kaye Tardif for Whale Song."

--J.M. Lavallee

Reviewer compares Whale Song to The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

I was recently interviewed for The Student Operated Press by Chase Von, a two time war veteran, retired Marine and author. He then went on to read my novel Whale Song.

Chase posted an interesting review of Whale Song on Amazon.com, and compares my novel to The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller and also to The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.

"The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas...is called "The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks. "Whale Song" is not only that good... It just might be considered by some, better." -- Chase Von

You can read Chase's review on Amazon.com.

Please read the interview I did with Chase too.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

http://www.cherylktardif.com/

My visit to a new Starbucks and to Rasoi on 50th - The Indian Kitchen

Today I had quite the little adventure. I set off to write at my normal haunt--a relatively new Starbucks by my house on 17th Street--but then suddenly decided to visit the brand new Starbucks on 50th Street.

When I first stepped inside, I was amazed by spacious atmosphere. This Starbucks has plenty of seating for two or four, and five plush red armchairs circling in front of a fireplace. Right away I checked out the power outlets (I always plug my laptop in) and saw at least 3 areas where I could sit and write. I've already made my claim on a very comfortable couch. :)

The assistant manager Kris used to work at the other Starbucks, so it was very nice to see a familiar face. For me, Starbucks doesn't just represent great coffee and a place to write, but a welcoming environment with people I can get to know. And both of my Starbucks have that. It's always nice to know I'm missed if I don't show up for a week or two. :)

Today I met the store manager and the district manager, and I am planning an exciting book signing for December. More on that later.

After a productive writing day, I decided to head a few stores over and visit a restaurant I've been meaning to check out--Rasoi on 50th - The Indian Kitchen. Ironically, I used to visit this location many days a week when it was a Cappuccino Affair. Yes, I love my specialty coffees! :) It was great to see what the new owners had done to the place. There's now an intimate setting on the upper floor for dining, soft lighting, great music, and a bar. It's tastefully decorated--part Indian, part modern.

During the week, Rasoi offers a lunch buffet. The food is not too spicy and very flavorful. I ordered an assortment of dishes so my family and I could try a few different things. Yummy Tikki (fried potato patties), Prawn Curry, Fish Masala, Samosas, a variation of fried and baked flatbreads, saffron rice...I think my favorite was the Butter Chicken. The owner, Neil Nayyar, was right; it's the best I've tasted! Neil and his lovely wife are perfect hosts, and they really like to make you feel at home.

Back when Rasoi was Cappuccino Affair, I had gotten to know that owner, Victor, and he allowed me to put up posters of my book covers in the washrooms. I even held my book launch for The River there, back in 2005. Today I was so stunned to find out that Neil had left my posters up in the washrooms. I think he was rather surprised to meet me. :) Rasoi on 50th will be participating in my special Starbucks event in December. Again, you have to wait to learn more.

For now, I highly recommend that if you're in the south Edmonton area, you must stop by the strip mall on 43rd Ave & 50th St. and visit the new Starbucks for a Caramel Macchiato, then pop over to Rasoi on 50th - The Indian Kitchen for some awesome Indian cuisine.

Who knows? Maybe I'll see you there! :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
http://www.cherylktardif.com

Free sample of Cheryl Kaye Tardif's latest novelette

You can now read the entire novelette REMOTE CONTROL for free on Textnovel.com.

In this dark, suspenseful and somewhat comical look at one man's desires, Remote Control by bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif delivers a strong message: Be careful what you wish for!

Meet Harold Fielding--plumber by part of the day, slacker/tv addict the rest of the day and night. Harry believes that fame and fortune will come to him if he wishes hard enough. God forbid if he should actually work for it.

Beatrice Fielding is Harry's hardworking wife. She holds down multiple jobs so her husband can laze about on his recliner, eating popcorn and drinking cola while watching his favorite shows. She has many wishes--some aren't so nice.

I hope you'll check it out. If you sign up (FREE) on Textnovel.com you'll also be able to read my suspenseful and creepy short story OUIJA.

And please don't forget to vote by clicking on the "thumbs up" icon. I need all the votes I can get. :)

http://www.textnovel.com/stories_list_detail.php?story_id=309



Whale Song is "a journey of wonder...captivating..."

"The story of Sarah Richardson is a journey of wonder, friendships, happiness, sadness, loss and love. It will keep you reading from cover to cover. Cheryl Tardif's writing is captivating and I look forward to reading more of her novels."

--Karen Scott

Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif is interviewed by Chase Von from The Student Operated Press

My interview is now live on The Student Operated Press. Chase Von has dug up the dirt on me. :)

In this interview I talk about my life as a "military brat", how I researched the topics in my novels Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention, my past job as a background actor for two popular (but NLA) TV shows, my serialized novelette Remote Control on Textnovel.com, the novel Finding Bliss that I'm writing on my iPhone, and so much more.

You can read the interview at:

Chase Von and Canadian Sensation Cheryl Kaye Tardif!!!

The Red Hat Society mobs happy author :)

On Saturday, I participated in the Scarlett's Sisters Authors Showcase, the first event of its kind. It was hosted by an Edmonton Chapter of The Red Hat Society, those lovely women who dress in purple and red with red hats. According to Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother, "The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life..."

I've seen these women out and about in the malls and often wondered about them. And then a few months ago I was contacted by Queen Ursula from the Scarlett's Sisters chapter. Ursula refers to herself as the "Queen of Glitter", and I think she sparkles in more ways than just the bling she wears. When Queen Ursula told me she wanted to have a special event featuring Edmonton area authors, I was very excited to participate.

So Saturday I went to the Elk's Hall and entered a world of purple and red. There were 50 or so ladies and a couple of men. One of the men was one of the authors, Joseph Simons, who just happened to find a purple and red striped shirt in his closet. Other authors included the wonderful Joyce Harries, my good friend Kelly Komm and many others I hadn't met before.

The afternoon started with time to chat and meet the Red Hatters. And what a happy, joyful bunch they are! :) This was followed by a buffet lunch that was oh-so-delicious. Door prizes were then drawn. I had the pleasure of watching two ladies receive gift bags that I had provided. In them were an assortment of gifts that had been donated to me over the past year.

Then came time for the 50/50 draw. Since the authors were treated to lunch, I decided to buy some tickets, thinking this would be a great way for me to contribute to and support Scarlett's Sisters. I was getting ready to head upstairs for the book signing when they announced the number. I'd just said to some of the ladies at my table that I never win at draws. So, of course...I won! hehe

I then headed upstairs with an envelope full of money, which came in handy since I'd left my float at home. (doh!) The authors manned their tables preparing to hopefully sell some books and meet more of these ladies. I watched the red hats slowly bob up the stairs, and then...

WHAM! I was caught up in a tidal wave of purple and red. The ladies were lined up in front of my table 3 deep. I signed books, made change, took money from the next lovely lady, signed books, made change, took money from the next...

When I finally came up for air, I think about half an hour had passed. I really have no idea. All I knew was that I had sold out of The River and had to run out to my car for more books. I brought in everything I had and sold the remaining 4 copies of The River. In all, during this purple-red wave, I sold 57 books in about 1/2 an hour, which is a record for me. :)

One thing I can say for the ladies of The Red Hat Society is: "Boy, do you all like to shop!!!" hehe

My friend and fellow author Kelly Komm took this photo of me just before or after the major swarm--I even had ladies standing behind my table...lol

I have to admit, I loved it. I loved that these wonderful ladies were that excited and enthusiastic about my books, and I wish I could have talked to them all a bit longer.

I sure hope they read my blog, visit my website and leave me a note there. :)

To all the ladies I met this past weekend, thank you for making me feel so welcome and I enjoyed chatting with you and meeting you. I do hope you all enjoy my books.

I received an email from one Red Hatter, Claudette Binette, who finished my novel Whale Song the very next day. Claudette emailed me with a short review:

"I had to wash my tear-streaked face after reading "Whale Song" by Canadian author, Cheryl Kaye Tardif. I was privileged to have spent two weeks visiting the Queen Charlotte Islands recently, and "Whale Song" brought it all back. The people, places, sounds and smells were so close and so familiar. Cheryl has captured the setting remarkably well! Her characters are so well described I feel I've met and know them all personally. Kudos to a super Canadian author! Now for "The River", and a trip up the Nahanni!"

Thanks so much, Claudette. I enjoyed talking to you about the QCI's. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
bestselling author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Sunday Salon: The Good Guy by Dean Koontz

3.5 stars

ISBN-10: 0553589113; 13: 978-0553589115

Publish date: April 29, 2008

Paperback; 496 pages; $7.99

Fiction, Suspense

I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense.

The Good Guy might just be a little too “goodie goodie”

As a long time fan of Dean Koontz’s novels, I was drawn into The Good Guy because of the intriguing premise: a nice guy in a bar gets mistaken for a hired assassin and is shown a picture of a woman that someone wants dead. The opening definitely grabbed my attention, as did the promise of more insight into Tim Carrier, the main protagonist, whose life is a bit of a mystery throughout most of the novel.

While the premise remained interesting, I’m afraid I started to lose interest in the characters. I craved to know more about Tim and Linda, the woman with the target on her back, and to feel some emotion from them. There wasn’t enough back story to satisfy me and I just didn’t care about them.

The constant witty banter between all the characters made everything seem like a joke or something to be made fun of. I don’t see people reacting this way in real life. It took away from the believability of the novel. The most interesting character was the killer, a very sick and twisted man who gives the reader insight into the secret society that has hired him.

While The Good Guy won’t be my favorite Koontz novel, it is a decent read. There is enough action and suspense to keep you reading. It doesn’t compare, however, to most of Koontz’s earlier works, such as Watchers or The Taking. It also misses out on the supernatural element that we usually think of when we think ‘Dean Koontz’. I give this book 3.5 stars, yet I’m looking forward to reading more Dean Koontz novels.


~Cheryl Kaye Tardif

author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

http://www.cherylktardif.com

Attention Edmonton Book Clubs: Select Whale Song as a 2009 pick and I'll visit your book club

This post is for any book club in the Edmonton, Alberta, area:

If your book club or reading group is looking for an intriguing novel to read in 2009, please consider choosing my "haunting", "crowd-pleasing" novel Whale Song.

Whale Song is the story of a young woman who experiences a tragic loss as a teen and shuts down emotionally and socially as a result. This novel will make you remember what it was like to be a teen--the good, the bad and the ugly. But it'll also take you places you've never been before.

Discussion topics could range from life as a teen, bullying at school, racism, native legends and beliefs, assisted suicide, and relationships. I have written a complementary discussion guide that can be downloaded from my website.

Whale Song, with its hint of mystery, is "deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has written a beautiful, haunting novel." -- NY Times Bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls and What Matters Most

If your book club chooses Whale Song and you're in the Edmonton, AB, area, please let me know. I'd be happy to attend your wrap-up meeting and sign books, hand out free bookmarks and chat. :) You can email me with your request at cherylktardif@shaw.ca.

You can pick up Whale Song from your favorite bookstore or order online.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
bestselling author of Whale Song
http://www.whalesongbook.com/

Upcoming events for Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song

Do enjoy meeting an author?

Like to get your books personally signed?

If so, and if you are in the Edmonton, Alberta, area this month and December, come by some of my events and signings. I love meeting readers and fans. :)

November 22nd - 12 to 4 pm - South Point Chapters (#775), 3227 Calgary Tr, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6J 5X8

November 29th - 12 to 4 pm - Southgate Coles (#168), Southgate Shopping Centre, 111th St & 51 Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6H 4M8

December 13th - 12 to 4 pm - Southgate Coles (#168), Southgate Shopping Centre, 111th St & 51 Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6H 4M8

December 14th - 12 to 4 pm - Mill Woods Town Centre Coles (#208), 2331-66th Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6K 4B4

December 20th - 12 to 4 pm - Mill Woods Town Centre Coles (#208), 2331-66th Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6K 4B4

For those of you who are not in the area and would like to have autographed books, I can send you a signed bookplate (deadline: December 10th for Christmas gifts).

Just email me with your request and mailing address and let me know which of my books you have purchased and who they are for. Autographed books make great Christmas gifts!


You can follow my events at: http://www.cherylktardif.com/events-journal


~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com

Sunday Salon: OUIJA by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Since I haven't finished the Dean Koontz book I'm reading, I thought I'd share another short story with you. I invite you to check out a creepy short called OUIJA.

Sometimes playing games with the dead can be...deadly. At least that's what Sharon and her best friend Liza discover when they find an old Ouija board in the attic.

*Based on a true story...and that's what makes this suspenseful story all the more frightening. Enjoy.

You can read OUIJA on Textnovel.com.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Divine Intervention makes a great gift for those who enjoy paranormal suspense

If one whiff of smoke from an arsonist’s fire made you see into a killer’s mind, would you consider it a gift or a curse?

For CFBI Agent Jasmine McLellan, her special gift gives her an ‘edge’ as she leads a covert team of psychic government agents in search of some of North America ’s most ruthless criminals.

Vicious murders, deadly secrets, suspects with hidden agendas and a dead girl’s ghost in Jasi’s closet are the key elements to Divine Intervention, book 1 in a paranormal suspense series set slightly in the future, and a novel for fans of J. D. Robb and Kay Hooper or TV’s CSI , Ghost Whisperer and Medium.

Excerpt:

It always began with the dead girl in her closet.

Every night when little Jasmine opened that closet door she expected to see lovely dresses and hangers―not a child her age strung up by a pink skipping rope, her body dangling above the floor…unmoving.

The dead girl had long blond hair. Her blue eyes stared blindly and were surrounded by large black circles. Her mouth hung open in a soundless scream. The pink rope was tied tightly around her neck, a thick pink necklace of death. A purplish-black bruise was visible and ugly.

The most unusual thing about the girl, other than the fact that she was swinging from a rope in Jasmine's closet, was that her skin and clothing were scorched.

Gagging, little Jasmine stepped back in horror.

When the girl's lifeless body swayed gently from a sudden breeze Jasmine let loose a cry of terror and raced down the stairs, searching anxiously for her parents.

"Daddy?"

Her throat was constricted and dry.

"Mommy?"

Then she screamed. "Mommy, I need you! Help me!"

In the lower hallway, the shadows quickly surrounded her.

Then she saw them.

Red eyes flashing angrily at the end of the hall.

**********

You can have your favorite bookstore order you a copy of Divine Intervention, or order from online retailers such as Amazon or Chapters.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

Canadian suspense author
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

iPhone novelist Cheryl Kaye Tardif is interviewed in Medicine Hat News

I was interviewed a week ago by Gillian Slade at Medicine Hat News, and I almost forgot to look for it online. Thank God for Google Alerts! :)

Gillian was very interested in the iPhone novel I'm writing titled Finding Bliss. She actually asked me a question I hadn't thought about, but it really got me thinking, so I've looked into it. More on that later.

You'll figure out her question when you read the last paragraph of her article.

'Finding Bliss' finding its birth on author's iPhone

Preparing for winter hibernation

As a writer, I have two main times of the year where I go into a sort of "hibernation mode", one in the winter and one in the summer. During these times I like to focus mainly on writing, so it's a time I really look forward to.

Winter in Edmonton can get quite cold, as some of you may know, and sometimes we get a good dump of snow, the kind you don't want to drive in. In past years my winter hibernation usually ran from January to the end of March, and the summer would run June to the end of August. These can be slower months for book signing events too, so it makes it prime for hibernating.

This year since I didn't have a new book out to promote, I'm able to go into hibernation mode early. It'll start later this month through to March, coming out for just a handful of events, and of course I'll continue blogging, but probably not quite as often.

For my winter hibernation I have to prepare ahead of time, and these are the things I'll be "storing":

• Chai tea mix (hot for winter, cold for summer)
• white hot chocolate mix
• apple cider that I'll heat up
• bread and cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches
• lots of coffee, flavored and Tim Hortons
• towels for when I take breaks in my hot tub--yes, even when I'm surrounded by snow
• lots of books--my to-be-read pile never seems to go down much
• my seat cushion that has heat and massage modes
• my Starbucks card for when I just need to get out
• and of course, my laptop

What do you do to prepare for the winter? :)

Is there anything special you store or crave? What do you eat or drink that is a winter treat?

P.S. Happy new president day to all my wonderful American friends and fans!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Sunday Salon: REMOTE CONTROL

Since I was unable to finish the book I'm reading in time to write a review and post it to Sunday Salon, I thought I'd introduce my Sunday Saloners to my suspenseful novelette REMOTE CONTROL.

I wrote the original 2700-word short story back in 1987. Seems like a lifetime ago. The novelette is close to 10,000 words and I'm pleased to say it is far better than my original.

Ironically, a TV game show came out in '87. It was also called 'Remote Control'. I never heard about it until two decades later when I did some research. In 1988 a movie was released with the same title. I never saw that either.

There's also another movie--one that is more current and probably better known. I'm sure you'll think of the title when you read my story.

You can read REMOTE CONTROL on Textnovel.com, where it is being serialized one chapter at a time.

I can't recall what made me write the original story, but it has always been a favorite of mine. Perhaps it was inspired by that old saying...

"Be careful what you wish for."

And now....

REMOTE CONTROL

I hope you enjoy. And you might enjoy signing up for Textnovel (free) and then you can vote by clicking on the "thumbs up" symbol. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
suspense author
http://www.cherylktardif.com/